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The study aimed to identify the training needs of the farmers in the field of fig fruit breeding and to determine the relationship between training needs and some variables. The study area included Rania District in Sulaymaniyah Governorate. The research population involved 5205 farmers. The research sample was 104 respondents who were taken using a simple random sampling method, representing 2% of the study population. The research included 20 villages that were included in the research. Data were collected through the questionnaire and personal interviews. The results showed that more than 74% of fig farmers were between (medium and high levels) in need of training in their field of work, and the average training need reached 53.25°. The results showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the training need and the economic level and the number of years working in the field of fig breeding. The study also showed that there is no significant relationship between the training need and (the area used for raising figs). The study recommended that the responsible authorities increase extension services and activities (such as seminars, training courses, and extension magazines) to increase farmers' skills and thus increase production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of businesses and job creation are fundamental needs for developing countries, including Iran. Given the expanding global markets and the unique climatic and resource conditions of Mazandaran Province, cultivating medicinal plants in suitable areas can significantly contribute to rural development and job creation. This research was designed to explore the factors influencing the development of medicinal plant cultivation in Mazandaran from the perspective of experts, with the ultimate goal of improving employment opportunities for farmers. Cultivating medicinal plants offers a viable solution for enhancing agricultural productivity and diversifying income sources for rural communities. As global demand for natural and herbal products continues to rise, Mazandaran Province can leverage its environmental advantages to establish a robust medicinal plant industry. This study aims to identify key factors that can facilitate this development and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. Methods: This research adopts a quantitative paradigm and is categorized as descriptivecorrelational. A survey technique was employed to gather data from experts at agricultural Jihad centers in Mazandaran Province, comprising a total of 434 experts. The required sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table, and a simple random sampling method was utilized for sample selection. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts in agricultural extension and education. The questionnaire was distributed both online and in printed form, resulting in the collection of 166 completed questionnaires for analysis. To assess the necessity and priority of addressing various factors related to the development of medicinal plant cultivation and improving farmers' employment status, Borich's needs assessment model was employed. Results: The findings revealed several critical factors related to the development of medicinal plant cultivation and the enhancement of farmers' employment status. In the dimension of producers' training, the most pressing need identified by experts was the establishment of model farms for medicinal plants. These farms would serve as practical examples, demonstrating effective cultivation techniques and the economic benefits of growing medicinal plants. In terms of institutional and structural factors, the research highlighted that standardizing product packaging was the top priority. This is crucial for ensuring that products meet market expectations and can compete effectively both domestically and internationally. Additionally, providing lowinterest credit facilities for farmers to cultivate medicinal plants ranked second in terms of necessity. Access to affordable financing is essential for encouraging farmers to invest in medicinal plant cultivation, which may initially require higher inputs compared to traditional crops. Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the importance of addressing the needs of farmers, particularly in a province where many farmers are older, traditional, and risk-averse. Establishing model farms can significantly influence the acceptance and growth of medicinal plant cultivation by showcasing its feasibility and benefits in local conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that planners and policymakers, especially within the Agricultural Jihad Organization, prioritize the creation of model farms in their strategic plans. Moreover, it is vital for organizations such as the Agricultural Jihad Organization and the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade to provide necessary support and training for farmers. This includes guidance on effective cultivation practices and assistance in developing appropriate packaging for their products. By enabling farmers to present their products attractively, they can access both domestic and foreign markets more effectively, leading to increased sales and income generation. In conclusion, the development of the medicinal plant sector in Mazandaran Province holds significant potential for enhancing employment opportunities and improving the economic conditions of rural communities. By focusing on training, financial support, and product standardization, stakeholders can foster a thriving industry that benefits both farmers and the broader economy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinarski Glasnik is the property of Veterinarski Glasnik and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study aimed to assess the training needs of livestock farmers who farm in a commonage in Ugie which falls under North Eastern Region of Elundini Local Municipality, Eastern Cape. A well-structured interview schedule was used to obtain information from 44 respondents. Data were collected on socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, their livestock production enterprises and their training needs, which were ascertained in six major areas of cattle production. Data were captured on Microsoft Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science to generate descriptive statistics. Results showed that there were more males (59.1%) participants than females (40.9%) and the majority were above 50 years of age, 50% had primary education and came from a household size ranging from 1-10 people. The respondents perceived high need of training in animal healthcare (67.6%) at first place followed by feeding (38.7%), marketing (38.2%), general management and breeding contributing 35.7% and 19.4%, respectively. The study indicated that regular training programs in designated topic areas are urgently needed to close the knowledge gap among farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Inadequate learning is an oft-cited friction impeding the adoption of improved agricultural technology in the developing world. We provide experimental evidence that farmer field days, an approach used throughout the world where farmers meet, learn about new technology, and observe its performance, alleviate learning frictions and increase adoption of an improved seed by 40%. Further analysis demonstrates that these field days are both cost-effective and have a greater impact on poorer farmers. In contrast, we find no evidence that selecting the first adopters of new technology in participatory village meetings has any effect on future adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sustainable agriculture turns in fashion, it becomes a contested territory between social movements and institutionality. In this article I analyze how three popular imaginaries around farming are entangled in the institutionalization of farming training programs, as spaces where sustainable agriculture is taught and enacted. These imaginaries relate to the lack of farmers, the responsibilization of farming heroes, and the social value of sustainable agriculture. Using a case study approach, I show how initiatives are molded by imaginaries that (re)construct and (re)define them as they get inserted into formal structures of funding, regulation, and dissemination. The inherited imaginaries are adopted—and adapted—by organizations both unconsciously and strategically. I also untangle how a politics of imaginaries unfolds as the popular social imaginaries about farming are contested and negotiated on the ground by staff members and apprentices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Watershed Development Department and ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) have developed site specific Land Resource Inventories (LRI) for the selected taluks in 11 districts of Karnataka. The LRI serves as a basic database and enables identification of farm-specific land related problems and potentials, suggest appropriate conservation measures, delineate suitability of the area for various uses. Watershed Development Department collaborated with ICAR - Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Bengaluru to organize capacity development programmes to farmers at the micro watershed / village level through Krishi Vigyan Kendras in these districts. The learning level evaluation of the training indicated that suitable horticulture/forestry species and appropriate soil and water conservation measures were learnt by most of the farmers. Less than half of the farmers only could learn about the suitable agricultural crops to their soils. The knowledge gain in five out of seven LRI components was not directly associated with overall satisfaction, but the knowledge on suitable agricultural crops was highly associated. Knowledge on all the seven LRI components was significantly associated with the willingness to adopt LRI contents. Knowledge of fertility status, soil slope and soil types were significantly associated with farmers interest to participate in future capacity building programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any increase in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] production depends on effective use and application, of appropriate management practices. This will likely require changes in knowledge, and skills, of okra growers that can be accomplished by training. The study was conducted to identify the training needs of okra growers. Slightly more than half (54.6%) of okra growers required a medium level of training. Weed management, disease and pest control, and availability of quality seed and planting were topmost aspects requiring training. Educational level and area of land cultivated with okra were positively, and significantly, associated with okra growers training needs. Planning and execution of training programs for okra growers are necessary to improve yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the issues of quality and safety of agricultural products have attracted widespread attention in the People's Republic of China. The purpose of this study was to understand factors that influence farmers' willingness to participate in agricultural product safety cogovernance and self-governance based on a survey of farmers in Jiangsu Province, China. The results show that farmers' willingness to participate in the cogovernance and self-governance of agricultural product safety must be further improved. Among the sampled farmers, 28.93% consider that other farmers' improper agricultural product safety practices have nothing to do with them, and 17.25% claim that they would not want to take part in agricultural product safety trainings. Farmers with a weak appreciation for agricultural product safety hazards, a lack of food safety knowledge, and improper agricultural product safety practices are less willing to participate in cogovernance and self-governance of agricultural product safety. Female farmers are more willing to engage in agricultural product safety training than male farmers; however, their willingness to participate in agricultural product safety cogovernance is lower. The results of this study will be useful in improving food safety policy in China. Farmers can be regarded as agricultural product safety supervisors. Attitudes affected farmers' participation in agricultural product safety governance. Female farmers were more willing to participate in agricultural product safety self-governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of training in many aspects, then to find the differences between the total estimation of training and some variables. The research involved 303 trainees who participated in training courses in all governorates of Kurdistan region during five years (2013-2017). The data were collected through personal interviews. A questionnaire was prepared for this purpose. To confirm the validity, the questionnaire was reviewed by some experts. The reliability coefficient was calculated by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and its value was (0.81). The results showed that the estimation level of the extension training efficiency by respondents was medium tending to high and the training results estimation occupied the first rank, giving the interesting percent of (88.85%). While the methods of selecting the trainees occupied the last rank recording the interesting percent (80.00%). The results indicated significant differences among (age, social position, number of training courses, extent of training benefit, attitude towards training and job satisfaction). While no significant differences were found among (gender, residence, academic achievement and period of training). The researcher recommended activating the training efforts adopted on the principles of planning, execution and evaluation. There also recommended the adoption of suitable and logical mechanisms to select the trainees for training courses according to their needs and problems during the work, increasing the number of courses with increasing the period of training. The researcher encourages the trainees to participate in training programs and formulating the objectives and training topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than a decade ago, the Chinese government created several agricultural programs with the objective to promote food security and to foster environmental sustainability via the adoption of more eco-conscious practices in agriculture. While the overall application rate of chemical fertilizer has significantly declined, the adoption of low-carbon technologies promoted through these initiatives remains relative low—partly due to the lack of a wide-reaching systems to implement the recommended practices and farmers' lack of awareness and knowledge about the technologies. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of technical training on low-carbon management practices, specifically on the adoption of soil testing and formulated fertilization technologies. We hypothesize that technical training and education facilitates the adoption of promoted technologies. Data for this research come from a random sample of 1115 rice farmers in Hubei, China. Using a logistic regression, we empirically examine the effect of having received formal technical training within the last 12 months on the likelihood of adopting low-carbon technologies. To account for potential heterogeneity and selection bias, we employ counterfactual framework and propensity score matching and estimate the average treatment effect for those who have received formal technical training. Our results revealed a positive and significant association between formal technical training and rice farmers' adoption of low-carbon technologies, with an average treatment effect of 0.2078. Males, younger farmers, and members of agricultural cooperatives were more likely to adopt soil testing and formulated fertilization technologies. Further, a gender analysis, conducted only with those who indicated having received technical training on low-carbon technologies, showed that trained females were more prone to adopt these technologies than trained males. Our findings provide and discuss meaningful implications for the development of future efforts to promote the adoption of low-carbon agricultural technologies in China. • Technical training increases the likelihood of adopting agricultural technologies. • Being a member of an agricultural cooperative increases the chances of adoption. • Younger rice producers are more likely to adopt the evaluated technologies. • Among trained growers, female farmers are more prone to adopt low-carbon technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of enhanced knowledge and technology innovations, which were resulted from training, on the simultaneous production of rice and soybean in Java, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: A model of product possibility frontier with two outputs produced using the same resources was employed. Based on the model, supply responses of soybean and rice were derived. Aggregate data consisting of 12 regions during the ten years of 2000–2009 were compiled from relevant agricultural institutions at the provincial level. Findings: Improvement in farmers' capacity has been able to increase production of soybean and rice simultaneously. Farmers' capacity increased after completion of the school. Knowledge and skill gained from the school have been applied to both rice and soybean farming. Other economic factors also affected the supply response of both commodities. Research limitations/implications: Available data covered periods 2000–2009. However, the outcomes are still relevant to the current situation because food crops are the basic necessity. This study used secondary aggregate data, which might be less accurate than primary data. However, secondary data have the advantage concerning coverage and time span. Practical implications: The Government, in collaboration with non-government organisations and the private sectors, should continue to enhance farmers' capacity to increase the production of food crops to feed people in Indonesia, and over the world in general. Originality/value: An analysis of joint production using a concept of product transformation curve can measure the impact of training on multi products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High efficiency irrigations systems (HEIS) are considered the most efficient technologies to apply water to the crops because these technologies use less irrigation water and produce more yield as compared to conventional irrigation methods. However, the most burning issue of these systems is their non-adoptability or low adoptability by the farming communities, despite their proven benefits. It was highly desirable to analyze and evaluate certain parameters which keep systems functional as well as ensure adoptability of these systems at farmer's fields. A total of 30 sites were selected randomly in Punjab province of Pakistan where HEIS were installed. Twelve parameters were selected based on the survey conducted that influenced the HEIS functionality as well as adoptability. The selected parameters were also ranked based on their influencing order such as net economic return, deployment of operator, literacy status, farming mode, pumping mechanism, backup support, system type, energy source, tenancy status, farm location, groundwater quality and farming experience because these parameters have significance coefficient values of 0.471, 0.342, 0.169, 0.163, 0.142, 0.110, 0.076,0.071,0.046, -0.037, -0.116, -0.212, respectively. The analysis indicated that parameters such as farm location near the head reach, groundwater quality and long farming experience showed negative impact on adoptability of HEIS in the study area. It was also observed that high economic returns, deployment of operator, farmer's training and presence of farmer at his farm are the gateway towards the success of these systems. The present study provides guidelines for the policy makers as well as farmers for sustainability of installed HEIS and up-scaling of these water saving techniques for the welfare of mankind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important cash crop and protein source for farmers in many parts of Ethiopia. However, its production is limited by phosphorus fertilizer. Therefore, field experiment was conducted at the Malle woreda in Koybe kebele farmers training center during the main rain season of 2016 to investigate the responses of haricot bean to different levels of phosphorus fertilizer and its effect on growth, and bean yield. Four phosphorus rates (0, 23, 46, and 69kg ha-1) were used as treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Red Wolaita haricot bean variety was used as planting material. Recommended rate of N (46 kg/ha) was applied to all treatments. The effect of phosphorus was significantly (P< 0.05) increased bean yield and growth parameters such as leaf area and number of branches per plant, whereas its effect was not significant on plant height. Based on result obtained, application of 46kg P ha-1 is recommended for better production of haricot bean at Malle woreda and similar areas which have the same soil property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Southern Agriculture is the property of Journal of Southern Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study was undertaken to assess the impact of training on knowledge level of dairy farmers of Punjab regarding incidence of various transitional diseases and on management, breeding and feeding practices during transitional period. A structured interview schedule was made for interviewing 250 dairy farmers of Punjab, India. Among the transitional diseases incidence of anoestrous, mastitis, retained placenta, repeat breeding, metritis, milk fever, dystokia and ketosis were 59.6%, 52%, 38%, 30%, 22.4%, 18%, 14.8% and 10.4% respectively. Special dry feed feeding, special mineral mixture feeding and conception rate at dairy farm was found to be significantly associated (p<0.01) with training. Particular diseases like metritis and repeat breeding were significantly associated (p<0.05) with training. However, parameters like dry period, normal calving, heats missed after calving were found to be non-significantly different between farmers who has taken training and not. But, the awareness perceived by the farmers after training in relation to feeding, breeding, management and health status was significantly higher during transitional period as compared to the farmers who did not undertake any training. So, proper coverage of topic on management of dairy animals during transitional period is must for making a training programme effective. Also, still more awareness and extension activities on transitional period management are the need of hour. The extension machinery should be constructed in such a way that it provides a bridge between scientists/researchers and dairy farmers for successful implementing the training programme for transitional period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This review aims to inform the evaluation of Chinese farmer training programmes through comparison with studies assessing public training programmes in the USA and Europe. The results of comparative analysis from 62 studies in the USA, Europe and Mainland China suggest that evaluation studies of the farmer training programme should measure the effectiveness of farmer training on agricultural income. Considering the cost and availability of data, cross‐section estimation may be an effective way to evaluate the effectiveness of farmer training programmes in China, but on the basis of controlling the initial demographic characteristics of samples. In particular, political status (whether a party member of Communist Party of China or not), position (whether village cadre or not) and region of residence are considered to be important determinants that impact the effectiveness of farmer training programmes in China. This review sets out directions for the future study of Chinese training programmes, with particular emphasis given to the need for research into the causal effects of different training courses, the dynamic effects arising from variation in the duration of training, and the medium‐run or long‐run effects of training programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to identify level of farmers knowledge in Rabia Subdistrict/ Nineveh governorateon potato cultivation , identifiy the differences in Knowledge level according to some variables: Age, Education level, years' number of experience potato farming, land ownership, number of dependent information sources of potato , monthly income, type farming career and previous training, and identify the problems facing the potato cultivation.The data were collected by a questionnaire, and analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann_Whitney test. The important results showed that (45.88 %) of the farmers have medium knowledge, the higher knowledge level in crop service field , there are significant differences in knowledge levels according to age, educational level, number of experience years of potato crop, type of farming career and the important problems facing potato farmers is high price of production cost, also there are some recommendations and suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals links together agriculture and education for developing countries towards sustainability. In line with these goals this research has done a "grass-root" experience in a rural area of a sub-Saharan country where a small NPO has been working for more than 20 years. Six villages have been chosen where the NPO already had built wells and child nutritional centres. Regularly, the NPO builds and donates the well for the farmers and starts a training program in both agriculture and nutrition on how to create small farms, cultivate several different vegetables. The main objective of this research is twofold; firstly, to identify the farmers' training preferences. Secondly, to analyze the factors that determine agriculture, accounting or nutrition training courses priorities in small local areas in rural Ethiopia. This research work will follow the exploratory research and "grass-root" case study methodology. The researchers have gone to the NPO´s area with a cooperation project in agriculture, nutrition and accounting training and have surveyed the farmers with quantitative and qualitative surveys. The results will be analysed through multivariant statistics. Farmers' have described their antecedents, their objectives together with all the projects they are currently managing and their need for training in the three areas: agriculture, nutrition and accounting. Among the factors that determine their priorities were socio-demographic variables, types of crops, farmers´ financial inclusion, current and non-current assets and their use of income. Also, the reasons for the differences among the villages are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study considered the training needs of sheep and goat farmers in Ekiti state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study profiled the socio-economic characteristics of sheep and goat farmers, assessed their knowledge and skill in small ruminant production management practices, determined the productivity of their management practices, identified their training needs and isolated factors influencing it. A total of 183 respondents for the study were selected via a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data for the study was collected using interview schedule and analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The average age of the farmers was 50 years and 88.0 per cent of them were literate. The average yearly income from small ruminant production was ₦9, 041. Farmers' level of knowledge was highest in identification of sick animals (x =9.1) but lowest in vaccination (x =1.3). The level of skill of farmers was highest in feeding of animals (x =4.3) but lowest in health management (x =2.5). The average productivity for goat in the study area was ₦29, 642 with many (62.8%) of the farmers producing below the group average value. Also, the average productivity for sheep was ₦50, 066 with 53.0 per cent of the farmers producing below the group average. Construction of modern houses and health management practices are some of the identified training needs of the farmers. Furthermore, age of farmers, their contact with extension agents and level of skill were some of the factors influencing their training needs. The study recommended that the identified training needs should be emphasized in any capacity building programme aimed at improving the productivity of small ruminant farmers in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Effective rural agribusiness development requires dedicated training programmes therefore, this paper is an attempt to investigate smallholder farmers’ TNs in the dairy agribusiness sector. The purpose of this paper is to study a bigger research project of the dairy value chain in agribusiness framework in the Rwenzori region.Design/methodology/approach A sample size of 100 dairy farmers were randomly selected from two Districts in the Rwenzori region. The descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) provided a basis for discussion. Furthermore, parametric Pearson coefficient test was conducted to examine the smallholder farmers’ TNs and assess its association with selected socio-demographic characteristics of the dairy farmers.Findings The analysis indicated that dairy farmers expressed the need for a training program. Most frequently requested topics include: fodder cultivation, quality and safe milk handling, milk marketing, calf feeding and rearing, animal nutrition and financial literacy out of 12 topics. The least desired TNs was record keeping.Research limitations/implications The findings contribute to the understanding of dairy farmers’ TNs.Practical implications The identified 12 key training intervention areas for the dairy farmers inform policymakers Dairy Development Authority and other development bodies in the Rwenzori region to address the challenges and improve smallholder dairy farming practices.Originality/value The study applies a synthesis review to identify theoretically acceptable variables that measure smallholder farmers’ TNs in the dairy agribusiness. The paper also shares the empirical evidence of a pioneering attempt to identify smallholder dairy farmers’ TNs in Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted in district Mardan of Khyber Pukhtunkhawa (KP) to analyze constrains in the adoption of improved technologies regarding tomato cultivation in March-April 2016. Two union councils Fatima and Babeni from tehsil Mardan were selected purposively based on tomato cultivation. Two villages were randomly selected from each union council. All tomato growers given training by the extension department were selected for interview, thus 104 respondents were interviewed for the study through well-structured interview schedule. Paired t-test was used for the comparison before and after training. The results show that 43% of the respondents were young, literate (85%), owner cultivator (49%), majority (81%) have total tomato cultivated area between 1-3 acres. Training was given to all the farmers, results of t-test showed that after getting training; tomato yield, income, total cost of seed, weeding, and pesticides were increased, while seed rate gm per acre was decreased. It is concluded that all the respondents adopted HYVs. Major constrains in the adoption of extension recommendations were high price of agricultural inputs, non-availability of; cold storage, agricultural credit and certified vegetable seeds, lack of fertilizers and technical knowledge, pest and diseases incidence, improper marketing of produce in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to estimate technical efficiency of broiler farms in district Mardan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect data from 150 broiler farmers. A well-structured interview schedule was used with both close and open-ended questions. Data from broiler farmers were collected during April and May 2016. Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) technique was used for estimation of stochastic frontier Cobb-Douglas type production function. Results indicated the mean technical efficiency of 0.89 with the range of 0.63 to 0.97. This implies that farmers having average technical efficiency level can increase broiler output by 8% to reach to the frontier output by using best management practices with available farm resources and technology. Results further revealed that day old checks, feed intake and labor have positive and significant effect on broiler output. Technical inefficiency results showed that estimated coefficients of age of broiler farmers, education and experience were negative and statistically significant. This means that with the increase in age of broiler farmers, education and experience, technical inefficiency decreases. It is recommended that broiler farmers needs to increase the number of day old chicks according to the capacity of shed as well as feed to the broilers to accelerate production and efficiency. Moreover, government also needs to educate broiler farmers and provide trainings specific to rearing of broilers for efficient utilization of resources for enhancing productivity and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study estimated and examined allocative efficiency of broiler farms in district Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data from 120 respondents was collected through multistage random sampling technique. Stochastic frontier cost function of Cobb-Douglas type was used for the estimation of allocative efficiency. The function was estimated using Maximum Likelihood estimation technique. Results revealed that the mean allocative efficiency of broiler farms was 0.84; implies that an average farm could have used 16% less inputs for given level of output if inputs were allocated efficiently. The estimated coefficient of output in the stochastic cost frontier was -0.159 and statistically significant at 5% significant level which implies that output level need to be increased which ultimately leads to decrease inefficiency of resources allocation. In allocative inefficiency effect model, estimates of education and experience were negative and statistically significant which implies that educated and experienced broiler farmers efficiently allocated resources on their farms. Therefore, the policy makers needs to provide education and training facilities to the farmers which are appropriate to rearing of broiler in open shed farms for the efficient utilization of resources and enhancing productivity of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beekeeping is very old practice in Nepal but modern beekeeping actually started from 1995. This study was carried in Bardiya, Nepal with the objective of analyzing production economics, resource use efficiency, technical efficiency and production problem of honey, produced from Apis mellifera. Total of fifty five households were randomly selected as the sample for the study. Farmers were rearing on an average 34.54 hives and average honey productivity was 34.6 Kg/hive. Average production cost was NRs. 7392.52 with the average net profit of NRs. 2987.05 (1 USD = 106 NRs), and B:C ratio was 1.67. Labor cost, migration cost and expenditure on sugar drug and comb foundation seems to have positive and significant relation with gross return. All of them appeared to be underutilized and needed to be increased by 39%, 74% and 34% respectively for the profit maximization. Main production problem found to be high cost and inadequate availability of modern equipment with the index score of 0.81. And, according to the farmers, main role institution that should play is providing training to the farmers. With proper and efficient use of input, beekeeping could be potential and viable commercial enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during 2014 in order to investigate about the performance of Farm Services Centers in the empowerment of farmers towards the sustainable development. Five districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa such as Mansehra, Dir Lower, Swat, Dera Ismail Khan and Swabi were the sampled districts and 80 farmers registered with Farm Services were randomly selected from each district. Thus, sample size was making a total of 400 respondents. Primary data were collected with the help of pre-tested interview schedule through personal interview method. The results of this research study revealed that affinity toward Farm Services Centers were bulk of the educated, middle aged and small landholding farmers. Maximum of the respondents had above 20 years of farming experience. A rapid increase in the registration of farmers with Farm Services Centers was found in the last five years. Chi-square results indicated highly significant association (P≤0.05) between the duration of registration with Farm Services centers, fertilizers and farm machinery provided to the respondents. Farm Services Center's performed their commitment very well with respect to empowerment of farmers in different agrarian practices like decision making, farm management, varietal selection, management of weed, and selection of fertilizer. Private agricultural companies were also playing their role in technological breakthroughs. It is therefore, suggested that these agricultural companies must be allowed for demonstration to train farmers on their innovations under Farm Services Center's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main aims of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is to contribute to sustainable development, and effective communication is imperative in reaching this goal. When the aim of communication is to contribute to sustainable development, it falls within the field of communication for social change, where the participatory approach is the norm. However, the context of instructional CSR communication poses challenges to the traditional conceptualisation of the participatory approach. This creates a need to reconceptualise the participatory approach for instructional CSR communication contexts. A literature review identified four main principles of the participatory approach (dialogue, participation, cultural identity, and empowerment) and illustrated how they are traditionally conceptualised. The empirical study focused on two companies’ CSR programmes where agriculturists were assisting emerging farmers with training, skills development and mentoring. Sixteen semi-structured interviews with farmers and agriculturists were conducted to determine the applicability of the theoretical principles as traditionally conceptualised for this context. We argue that beneficiaries may not be able to participate as equal partners in all aspects of the CSR initiative from the beginning (as traditionally assumed), but that they should, through their involvement, be empowered to participate more meaningfully in later stages even though power will remain largely with the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable farming initiatives (SFIs), which aim to support farmers’ adoption of sustainable practices vary in the degree of farmer participation. In this study, we explored the influence of SFI design characteristics on farmer motivation to participate. Based on self-determination theory, we framed farmer participation by linking participants’ motives and motivational processes, participation context and participants’ perception of that context. Using a mixed-method investigation, we analysedVeldleeuwerik, a Dutch SFI with about 400 members. We observed four motive types, in order of importance: knowledge exchange, business opportunities, sustainability and social contact. By combining them with five types of motivational regulation, our research revealed that motives are directed by a diversity of underlying motivational processes, and that both are influenced by the participation context, or SFI design. Based on these results, we suggest that SFIs who wish to attract farmers who are not autonomously motivated for sustainability, need to rely on characteristics that meet either other motives than sustainability or other motivational processes than autonomous ones. To maintain participation, SFI characteristics should support autonomous motivational processes, by supporting the psychological basic needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness. The study illustrates how a socio-psychological perspective adds value to investigating SFI design characteristics for successful farmer participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable production plays an important role in nutrition, food security and poverty reduction in Benin. However, vegetable production is hampered by pests and farmers rely on pesticides to control them. Improving farmers’ knowledge is important for the use of sustainable, intensive agricultural practices. This paper assesses the role of learning video in changing vegetable farmers’ behaviour towards sustainable agriculture. Drawing mainly on mass distribution of learning videos, DVDs entitled ‘Improving vegetable production’ were sold through non-conventional dissemination networks from August to December 2015, to strengthen farmers’ learning. In June 2016, we interviewed a sample of 120 buyers/viewers in four different areas where the DVDs were sold. The interviews were followed by a field visit to collect evidence of the change of practices reported during the interviews. Farmers who watched the videos enhanced their creativity and adapted the learning to their environment by using more sustainable agriculture practices. About 86% of respondents indicated that they now spend less money for pesticides to manage pests and diseases. Video-mediated learning promotes local innovation, improves farmers’ knowledge and triggers agro-ecological practices with little or no input from the conventional extension system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical pesticides have been widely overused by farmers in Iran, but farmers' criteria for pesticide selection and use are not well understood. A field survey of 411 farmers was carried out in Mazandaran, Iran, to study farmers' criteria for selecting and using pesticides in the pest control process and explaining differences in selection criteria among farmers. From a list with a total of 25 criteria, five main groups were identified as key decision criteria for pesticide selection and use, using factor analysis. These groups included: (i) performance and effectiveness criteria, (ii) awareness and information criteria, (iii) technical and operational criteria, (iv) environmental criteria, and (v) financial and accessibility criteria. Performance and effectiveness criteria had the highest importance for farmers when selecting and using pesticides (mean 3.45), followed by financial and accessibility criteria (mean 3.28). Farmers who received training regarding pesticide use (mean 2.23 vs. 1.90) and farmers who had experience with integrated pest management (IPM) practices (mean 2.46 vs. 1.79) tended to consider environmental criteria when selecting and using pesticides. Similarly, farmers who experienced health risks related to working with pesticides (mean 2.0 vs. 1.77), farmers who used protection when spraying (mean 2.58 vs. 1.87), and farmers who knew about natural enemies of pests (mean 2.11 vs. 1.85) tended to consider environmental criteria when selecting and using pesticides. Farmers without off-farm income tended to consider financial and accessibility criteria more than farmers with off-farm income (mean 3.40 vs. 3.18). Farmers with college education favored awareness and information criteria, whereas experienced farmers favored the criteria of performance and effectiveness. Farmers with a high income showed a tendency to prefer performance and effectiveness criteria more than farmers with less income. Farmers who thought that pesticides are hazardous preferred environmental criteria more than farmers who thought that pesticides are not hazardous. Farmers who believed in the effectiveness of alternatives to chemical pest control (e.g., use of biological control, pheromone traps, or cultural control) preferred performance and effectiveness criteria less than farmers who believed no effectiveness or slight effectiveness of alternatives to chemical pest control. The findings provide useful information for better understanding factors affecting farmers' choices of pesticides and for improving future extension courses related to farmers' decisions about pesticide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a project to support farmers and livestock farmers living in extremely vulnerable areas in Syria, professional online technical assistance was undertaken despite considerable limitations caused by serious emergency situations. A careful analysis of exogenous (e. g. social, economic and technological context) and endogenous factors (virtual communities, cognitive needs, motivation, expectations, etc.) has been the basis (diagnostics) for the appropriate methodological and technological choices. Given the context, this paper highlights the importance of solutions related to the major aspects of inclusive teaching, methodologies and technologies suitable for adult training courses. In conclusion, the analysis of the final evaluation data of one of the courses provided substantiates the effectiveness of this activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to contribute to the evaluation of development policies for female farmers based on their beneficiaries' attitudes. For this, it was conducted a survey in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile, to a representative sample of participants in the "Education and training program for rural women" of the Chilean National Institute for Agricultural Development. The questionnaire applied was divided into the following sections: i) personal characteristics of the farmers and their family unit; ii) technical, productive and commercial features; iii) farm and household income; and iv) vision of themselves and program-related attitudes. The data collected was processed by descriptive and multivariate techniques such as principal components and cluster analysis. The results show a positive assessment of the program on an aggregate level, although there are significant dissimilarities within the sample, allowing three clusters to be identified: "reticent participants" (42.3%), "associative participants" (20.5%) and "empowered participants" (37.2%). The farmers on those clusters present differences not only in their attitudes towards the program but also in their education level, income, farm profitability and balance between productive and domestic roles. It's concluded that individual characteristics and circumstances impact beneficiaries' perception of the programs, which should be considered in their design and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2013-15, to investigate the effectiveness of farmers' training on the adoption of improved potato technology. Tehsil Kasur of Punjab was selected for study being a major growing area of potato. A total sample comprising of 120 farmers was taken who received training by using purposive sampling technique. A comprehensive interview schedule was developed and used as research instrument for data collection. The collected data were analysed with the help of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to derive conclusions and formulate recommendations. The results revealed that nearly half of the respondents (46.7%) reported weekly visits made by extension field staff, whereas the rest of respondents told that fortnightly (28.3%) and monthly visits (25.0%) were performed by the extension personnels in the area. Farm visit was the approach or teaching method which was frequently used by extension field staff (EFS). Among all improved production practices seed selection was placed on top of the list (mean 4.14) followed by seed rate (4.04), disease control (3.93), sowing time (3.86) and fertilizer application (3.61). Farmers proposed that EFS should be equipped with proper training techniques regarding different production practices and their knowledge level and communication skills must be upgraded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts are now made towards encouraging companies to respond to environmental and social issues in their host communities. This research evaluates the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on stakeholders of Rubber Research Institute in Gashua-Nigeria. The paper is anchored on the Stakeholder Theory as propounded by Freeman. The data for the study was sourced through primary and secondary means. The study revealed that, the Institute provided corporate activities for the host community in the areas of staff and farmers training. The institute has however failed to extend its services to the area of providing education and health facilities for the host community. The study concluded that, the institute's CSR has helped to enhance healthy relationship between the host communities. The study therefore, recommends amongst other things that more corporate activities especially in the area of educational and health facilities should be provided to the host communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to modern commercialization channels is key for smallholder farmers to move away from subsistence farming and overcome poverty. However, achieving that goal is challenging for smallholders given their lack of appropriate managerial practices, production technology and infrastructure. This paper examines the association between receiving trainings in two distinct entrepreneurial practices, one direct at the individual and farmer-association level and another indirect at the community level, and commercialization in non-local markets at the extensive and intensive margins. We exploit a panel dataset of bean producers in Nicaragua that participated in an NGO program implemented between 2007 and 2012. We find opposite results for the two market-linkage activities, especially on the intensive margin or volume of sales. While reciving direct training on entrepreneurial practices (EP) is positively associated with commercialization, training on municipality engagement (ME) activities is negatively associated. These correlation patterns are mainly observed among entrant farmers as opposed to those already participating in commercial markets prior to the program implementation. We also find varying results for ME activities by plot size and leadership position. Additional estimations show that training activities that are positively correlated with bean commercialization are not necessarily correlated with the commercialization of other crops, and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantifies the impact of training vegetable farmers in integrated pest management (IPM) in Bangladesh. Data come from a random sample of 300 trained and 300 non-trained farmers producing either bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia L.) or eggplant ( Solanum melongena L.). Propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting was employed to correct for selection bias in observable characteristics. A range of outcome indicators along the impact pathway was used. The study finds that trained farmers had better knowledge about insect pests and the proper use of pesticides, adopted more IPM practices, and reduced the frequency of spraying and mixing different pesticides. For eggplant, but not for bitter gourd, trained farmers reduced the quantity of pesticide use and achieved a significantly higher crop yield and gross margin. The effect on consumptive expenditures, which we used as a proxy of income, was insignificant. We conclude that further promotion of IPM adoption among farmers is needed and that it should be a priority to increase the profitability of IPM practices for gradual reduction in synthetic pesticide misuse and a sustainable agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimated and examined technical efficiency of tomato growers in Malakand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A sample of 120 tomato growers was selected employing multistage sampling technique. An interview schedule was used for data collection during November-January, 2016. Maximum likelihood technique was used for the estimation of the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production model. After running various econometrics software the output of the Frontier 4.1 was found good fit. The findings of the study showed that technical efficiency ranges from 0.83 to 0.99 with the mean technical efficiency of 0.93. The findings further shows that among the inefficiency factors experience was significantly contributing to the technical efficiency of the farmers. On the basis of this study it is recommended that tomato growers in the study area need to increase the number of seedling for the purpose to increase the productivity. It is further recommended that government should provide training facilities to the farmers to improve their skills, as a results of which the productivity will be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigated agriculture plays a vital and important role in economic development of many countries around the world. In this research, performance assessment of Water User Associations (WUAs) was undertaken over canal water management in irrigation command area. WUAs in canal irrigation network were characterised and evaluation of irrigation performance was evaluated using different performance indicators. The water delivery indicator in tail-end supply ratio was 0.67, area uniformity ratio was 0.79 and delivery timeliness ratio was 1 in Govindgarh WUA. Satisfactory performance was observed in Govindgarh WUA in the comparison of Bijori WUA and Bauchhar WUA. The carrying capacity ratio was 0.96, and poor structure ratio was 0.5 in Govindgarh WUA. This indicator was also satisfactory in Govindgarh WUA as compared to Bijori WUA and Bauchhar WUA. In financials, fee collection performance (0.75), personnel cost ratio (0.56) and manpower number ratio (0.009) in Govindgarh WUA make it satisfactory. Sustainability of irrigated area was 0.88 which was satisfactory in Bijori WUA. Area/infrastructure ratio was 139.27 in Govindgarh WUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major obstacles to agricultural development in Jordan is the weakness of extension programming which is still traditional and based on personal judgement. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes, adoption barriers and in-service training needs of Public Extension Agents (PEAs) towards the adoption of Needs-Based Extension (NBE). An instrument to assess attitudes, barriers and training needs was designed and used to collect data from 73 PEAs in Jordan. Face and content validity were confirmed by a panel of experts, and internal consistency of the study scales were demonstrated by alpha coefficients ranging from 0.75 to 0.90. Parametric and nonparametric methods were used to analyze the data. The results showed that most PEAs had positive attitudes towards adopting NBE services, but adoption was constrained by internal and external barriers; supporting culture to NBE, finance and skills to undertake surveys and need analysis. The involvement of public extension staff in the survey contributed to in-service training and the application of NBE programs. Priority areas for training were determined using weighted discrepancy scores, with the most important being information technologies, agribusiness management and conducting needs assessment respectively. Study tours and professional training were perceived as the most important training methods. There were few significant differences among the PEAs with respect to the attitude and competence scales. These results indicate the need to undertake needs assessments of PEAs to improve extension programming in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to characterize the agricultural activities and past experiences in professional training in the context of mobile learning in different countries (Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Hungary, UK, Italy and Turkey). Design/methodology/approach - For the survey, a questionnaire was prepared in English and Portuguese and then translated into the languages of the participating countries. It was delivered electronically for answering online by adults only. The participation was voluntary and in the end 133 consented valid questionnaires were obtained. For the treatment of the data, SPSS was used and basic descriptive statistics tools were applied, together with tests, namely, crosstabs and χ² tests, considering a level of significance of 5 percent. Findings - The results showed that the majority of the participants presently have some agricultural activity and one-third is thinking about starting one in the future. Most of the participants want to produce food organically, with significant differences among the countries studied in this paper. Most of the participants were enrolled in training activities in agriculture, especially those with higher education. This participation showed significant differences between countries as well as according to the dimension of the farms owned by the participants. A significant association was found between being a teacher in forming activities related to agriculture and being a farmer. When compared to distance learning, the training activities in classroom were the most frequent, with significant differences among the countries. Practical implications - This study allowed characterizing the learning activities in the field of organic agriculture and established vision for planning of future training programs, in different countries, with maybe different social, educational and cultural realities. Originality/value - Because the study included the participation of people from several countries all around Europe, the results obtained enrich the scientific area of training in organic farming, in view of distance learning vs classroom learning on a more global basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation agriculture (CA) is based on 3 principles, namely reduced soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and more complex and legume-rich rotations; and multiple studies have shown its positive impacts. Because CA relies on a variety of ecological processes, it is more deeply rooted in a specific ecological context than conventional agriculture. The complexity of these processes makes it difficult to elaborate general recipes to be applied by farmers, who therefore need to learn to make their own choices adapted to their own agroecosystem. Consequently, helping farmers to move toward CA requires supporting them in learning to develop their own practices. Farmers' learning remains poorly investigated at the individual level, with in particular very little work focusing on learning in CA. We hypothesize that the processes involved in learning to practice CA may differ from those involved in conventional agriculture: for instance, the current lack of detailed reference documents may induce farmers to experiment more. Against this background, we here aimed at describing how farmers experienced in CA learn, by qualifying their learning mechanisms and processes. To do so, we conducted five comprehensive interviews with farmers experienced in CA, and then inductively analyzed the data to explore the diversity of learning mechanisms involved, i.e. the elementary actions or cognitive activities which, organized together, constitute a learning process. We, thus, propose a descriptive framework of non-ordered and non-obligatory learning mechanisms that appear to be mobilized by farmers experienced in conservation agriculture, as a first step toward a deeper analysis of their learning processes. We further emphasize the often unintentional aspect of learning, as well as the importance, for farmers who wish to implement CA practices, of developing new standards of comparison. A better understanding of these learning processes would help improving extension services and training for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]